In Memory
Joseph Daniel Redling
May 18, 1918 - Aug. 24, 2012
SOUTH BEND - Joseph Daniel Redling, a lifelong resident of South Bend, passed away Friday, August 24, 2012, at home.
He was born to the late John and Barbara (Schreiner) Redling on May 18, 1918, in South Bend.
On July 15, 1944, he wed Margaret M. Gruber, who survives along with a daughter, Joan (Jerry) Funk of Valparaiso; grandchildren, Andrew (Jennifer) Funk of Valparaiso and Nathan (Susannah) Funk of North Carolina; great-grandchildren, Joseph and Michael Funk of Valparaiso; step-great-granddaughters, Addison and Erin Meyer-Cuno of North Carolina; and numerous nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his brothers, Daniel and John, and sisters, Barbara Laszlo and Bertha Witczak.
Joe was in the first graduating class of Washington High School (1938), and while there he played football. After school he worked in the CCC program in Washington state. At the encouragement of a former teacher, John Howe, he left the CCC program and began his studies at Indiana Central College in Danville, IN. While there he played football and received the MVP Award in his senior year. He graduated in 1942. Joe also earned his Master's Degree in education from Indiana University, Bloomington.
In 1943 Joe returned to Washington High School, where he began his teaching profession which lasted for 37 years. He taught biology and driver's education as well as coaching football. In 1953 he was named Athletic Director, a position he held until his retirement in 1980.
During Joe's time at WHS he made many valuable and long-lasting friends. He especially loved his students and delighted in meeting them in various places throughout the city. Joe was a member of St. Matthew Cathedral where he was a money counter. He also was a member of the Breezers Club.
Viewing will be Monday, August 27, 2012, in the Zahoran Funeral Home, 1826 Kemble Avenue, from 4:00 to 9:00 pm. Viewing will also occur one hour prior to the Mass of Christian Burial at St. Matthew Cathedral at 11:00 am Tuesday.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Center for Hospice Care.
To leave an online condolence, visit our website www.zahoran.com, or our Facebook page, Zahoran Funeral Home.
Remembering a legend at WHS
It is time to remember a west-side legend. Joseph Redling walked through the halls of Washington High School first as a student and then as a teacher and athletic director. The baseball field along Washington Street is named after him. He will always have a place at Washington.
Joe Redling died on Aug. 24 at the age of 94. A sure bet is that he is still walking the halls straightening students up.
Mr. Redling was the athletic director from 1953 to 1980. He was the assistant football coach to Sam Wegner, Tom Roggeman, Bob Van Camp and George Basker. Legends hang together.
He was a member of the first graduating class of Washington back in 1938. That’s when the school was on Sample Street.
Another longtime coach and Washington teacher, Jerry Klaybor, said he knew him since he was a little kid in the neighborhood of South Brookfield Street. Later he was his health and history teacher at Washington. A bit later, "He processed my application so I had a job in 1955 to teach" at Washington.
Many a student was frightened by Coach Redling, Klaybor laughed. "He barked like heck, but he seldom bit anyone."
After retirement, they fished together, chopped a little firewood and stayed close, Klaybor said.
Washington Principal George McCullough played football for Redling and Roggeman in the 1960s. "He was tough. He was fair but disciplined. He made us the men we are today. Mr. Redling was the coordinator of driver’s education classes. And when you think about it, he taught half the west side how to drive."
His nephew Tom Gruber said his uncle was part of a staff that was very special. "They were more like a family that worked together."
Former WHS athletic director Patrick Mackowiak said Mr. Redling will be sorely missed. "He was an icon — fair, honest, respected. And when he walked down the hall it was like the Red Sea — everyone parted to let him pass."
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St. Augustine Catholic Church had a special at the end of August. The Rev. Leonard Collins, Sister Susan Kintzele and Brother Roy Smith are all members of the Congregation of the Holy Cross and they celebrated 50 years in the religious order. They are members of the congregation of St. Augustine’s and their friends celebrated all this.
The church membership had a dinner in their honor. Church member Alfred Guillaume Jr. said they are all truly people of God. "Sue is a wonderful teacher, so dedicated to her work. Brother Roy is a gentle soul. Father Len is a good shepherd for the flock."
Sister Sue is originally from Michigan City and has been a member at St. Augustine’s since the mid-1970s.
Brother Roy is from Indianapolis and taught school for a number of years. Then he moved on to social services and now he is working in development for the Midwest Province.
Father Len is originally from Chelsea, Mass. Another important son of Chelsea is Brian Kelly, according to Father Len.
The priest was a deacon at St. Augustine’s before his ordination. After ordination, he was stationed in the south from New Orleans to Austin, and for a time in Mexico. He then returned as pastor.
As for the anniversary, "It was a wonderful celebration, a sharing with friends," Father Len said.
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